Reflecting The Stars Diffuses NYC’s Light Pollution

The Windmill Factory, a New York-based organization that partners with corporations, non-profits and arts groups to address environmental causes, has proposed a concept taking on the galaxy above the city.

Reflecting The Stars is an interactive, LED-powered project that will raise awareness and teach prevention techniques for light pollution. The installation will take place among 250 decaying pier posts in New York City’s Pier 49 in Manhattan, illuminating and reflecting the patterns of the night sky.

From August-November, 2010, hundreds of solar-powered wireless LED lamps are planned to be installed along the waterway, and visitors will rediscover star formations by pressing buttons on shoreline plaques that will interrupt each lighting group to reveal various constellations.

Light pollution is a timely issue, as many propose that the night sky will vanish in the contiguous United States by 2025. Already, one fifth of the world can no longer see the milky way due to impending city lights or air pollution.

Over the course of the three month installation, RTS expects 2.5 million viewers, 828 shining hours, and 23,040 people interacting with the exhibit.